1998 Mercedes Benz E320
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › E320 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Mercedes Benz E320. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
37 complaints3 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
This silver mercedes (not sure the year) car has been parked in front of my house for over two weeks, no signs of it being moved at all. 16329 chatsworth street doors are unlocked and I have not seen any neighbors paying attention to this vehicle, first time I have seen it ever be parked here. Possible stolen car and just left there, please check on vehicle and have it towed away.
- Wheels
I have primewell valera touring 2 tires and the front driver's side developed a sidewall bulge when I was reversing into my driveway. the same family of tires have a recall, and while my set are not included in the recall, I have the same or similar problems. It appears that the bulge was…
I have primewell valera touring 2 tires and the front driver's side developed a sidewall bulge when I was reversing into my driveway. the same family of tires have a recall, and while my set are not included in the recall, I have the same or similar problems. It appears that the bulge was due to manufacturer's defect (per my mechanic) and I was told that the tire IS unsafe to ride on, so I am using the full spare at the moment. I contacted the manufacturer , giti tires, and they do not want to do anything about it. The tire IS primewell valera touring 2, 215/55/16, dot number IS Y9JM clhx 1515.
- Suspension
Passenger coil spring seat broke , car in garage last 15 years , not even 100000 miles yet
- Air bags
Your web site states "invalid request" when I place vin number in. Correct characters were used. *tr
- Suspension
While driving in traffinc east along haddonfield berlin road in cherry hill nj, I was slowing to a stop approaching a red light at evsham road. as I pressed the brake pedal, there was a loud bang and grinding sound from the front end that ended with a loud clank on the ground. After which I saw…
While driving in traffinc east along haddonfield berlin road in cherry hill nj, I was slowing to a stop approaching a red light at evsham road. as I pressed the brake pedal, there was a loud bang and grinding sound from the front end that ended with a loud clank on the ground. After which I saw the spring from my driver's side on the road behind me in my rear view mirror. driving was not affected, not was steering. However we came to find that the panel containing the driver's side spring perch had rusted and then torn away from the bod, thus releasing the front spring. After doing some research this appears to be a known problem with mbusa, but not a recall issue. my insurance company IS refusing repairs due to their view of this as being a "maintenance issue."
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz E320. While driving 30 mph, the contact was informed by another motorist that the rear driver side tail light was not working. The contact also stated that the braking power diminished and required a lot more pressure to stop the vehicle. The contact also…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz E320. While driving 30 mph, the contact was informed by another motorist that the rear driver side tail light was not working. The contact also stated that the braking power diminished and required a lot more pressure to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the check engine indicator would illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
On wednesday, january 21, 2015, 4:45 pm, an attendant at sam's club gas pumps, tulsa hills shopping center, tulsa, ok, overflowed the gas tank, creating a spill large enough that absorbent materials was used to soak up the gas on the pavement (video available from sam's). Upon leaving, the engine…
On wednesday, january 21, 2015, 4:45 pm, an attendant at sam's club gas pumps, tulsa hills shopping center, tulsa, ok, overflowed the gas tank, creating a spill large enough that absorbent materials was used to soak up the gas on the pavement (video available from sam's). Upon leaving, the engine died before exiting the station. restarted and died again at the first traffic light about 1/4 mile away. restarted and abnormal noises were heard during the next mile and while stopped at a traffic light, there was a large explosion under the hood, producing lots of black smoke but no extended fire. local police helped in removing the car from traffic and later loading the car on a wrecker. the description from the mbz repair facility gave this explanation and repaired the car at a cost of $2,600. the gas overflow caused the charcoal canister to fill up with liquid gas and when the car was started the liquid gas was sucked into the input manifold, causing an undetected explosion and cracking the manifold. the explosions got larger as the car was driven and finally an explosion blew most of one end of the input manifold off (manifold available). end *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz E320. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle independently dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure was 160,322.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Had an inspection on friday. Found passenger shock tower broken from the body frame, this IS an extremely dangerous situation. Looked in mercedes benz world website, and saw many many complaints about this typical issue, people must not be reporting this typical rust of the spring tower to body rust issue. Apparently there IS a recall for this issue in canada but not in USA. *tr
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact owns a 1998 mercedes benz E-320. The contact stated that the srs and ABS warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vin was not included in their manufacturer's recall campaign for the brake lights. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. ..updated 02-28-14 *bf
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Some rust damage has been observed on the body of the car for quite some time, but no mercedes mechanics suggested it was structural or dangerous. Recently, a loud creaking noise from the front right tire began to occur when driving, especially when subjected to bumps, even at very low speeds. By…
Some rust damage has been observed on the body of the car for quite some time, but no mercedes mechanics suggested it was structural or dangerous. Recently, a loud creaking noise from the front right tire began to occur when driving, especially when subjected to bumps, even at very low speeds. By removing the tire, we discovered that the creaking was from the poorly designed suspension cap, which had rusted and broken partially off, bending the spring against the axle. This damage IS extremely dangerous, as no mercedes mechanics identified the rust at this point, and if the cap snapped off, the entire wheel carriage would break. If the car had been operating at high speeds, this kind of failure, which could occur instantly when subjected to a normal shock impact, could cause a serious or fatal accident. The cap IS definitely a very dangerous design flaw, especially as the mercedes structure rusts (which they claim no accountability for), and many of these cars could easily be on the road today. Thus, we believe that significant danger to the consumer public IS completely ignored by mercedes-benz, which we feel IS an appalling lack of concern and complete oversight on the part of the company. *tr
- Suspension › Front
During the course of ownership of an 1998 mercedes benz E320 the front top spring support a.k.a rusts out and can easily disintegrate causing complete fallout of the front wheel assembly and if happening in the highway it can easily kill you. Luckily for me it happened in a 30 mph road where the spring perch broke off and the whole front wheel got out of place locking itself up. *Tr
- Visibility
A/c, heater blower, windows regulator failed as expected. Seems to be a common defect that has been ignored by manufacturer even when lots of people have complaint about it and nothing has been done to remedy this situation through a recall or at least admit there's a problem. Then you are forced…
A/c, heater blower, windows regulator failed as expected. Seems to be a common defect that has been ignored by manufacturer even when lots of people have complaint about it and nothing has been done to remedy this situation through a recall or at least admit there's a problem. Then you are forced to purchase the regulator, motor, and mounting bracket at an exorbitant price ! i.e ignore the problem and it will go away. I purchased a mercedez and ended up with a chrysler !!!!! *Tr
- Suspension › Front
The coil spring and two round plastic parts just fell off on our 1998 E320 mercedes benz front driver side. the vehicle has 71,000 miles and never been in any accident. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I noticed while at a stoplight with my foot on the brake, that my steering column was vibrating, as well as the gear shift and the instrument panel. it was also very noisy. the dealership said that the motor and transmission mounts had collapsed! *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I was driving my 1998 E-320 down a main road at about 45 mph when my front spring came off the frame and fell off my car, causing the hole front end to drop and the car to lose control. I went off the road into a ditch, my front end bounced off the ground, my neck and back are hurt, and my exhaust…
I was driving my 1998 E-320 down a main road at about 45 mph when my front spring came off the frame and fell off my car, causing the hole front end to drop and the car to lose control. I went off the road into a ditch, my front end bounced off the ground, my neck and back are hurt, and my exhaust sounds messed up now too. I checked the mercedes benz forum and this IS a common problem on the W210 chassis, I am going to contact the dealer, on monday when they re-open, and at the very least I would expect them to fix it because it should have been a recall type deal, and it IS very dangerous. that's all I want to report please e-mail me and let me know if you need any further info, thanks -brian ronca *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercedes E320. while driving approximately 15 mph, the contact crashed into a tree on the front driver side of her vehicle. the vehicle was completely destroyed and none of the air bags deployed. there were no air bag failures prior to the crash. the contact was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercedes E320. while driving approximately 15 mph, the contact crashed into a tree on the front driver side of her vehicle. the vehicle was completely destroyed and none of the air bags deployed. there were no air bag failures prior to the crash. the contact was severely injured and has pictures of herself as well as the vehicle. the local dealer did not provide any assistance. she IS currently in the process of notifying the manufacturer. the powertrain was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 103,000.
- Tires › Sidewall
Consumer bridgestone turanza ls-h sidewall failed while driving 60+ miles. *ts the consumer would like to be reimbursed for the damages sustained to the rear passenger quarter panel, wheel and related expenses. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Mercedes E-320 1998, sudden acceleration, ref. odi 10113529. *bf the consumer experienced sudden acceleration, jumping the curb and crashed into a wooden fence. prior to this incident, the consumer experienced irregular speed. the consumers foot was on the brakes the entire time. mercedes found no problem. *sc
- Tires
Consumer experienced a left front tire blow out 18 months after purchase. the dealer replaced the tire and no cost to the consumer. the next time the right front tire blew. the blow out was between the tire tread and the rim. *la the dealer determined that the second tire blowout was caused by a small puncture which allow air to slowly leak from the tire. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving the engine's crankshaft pulley broke. As a result the power steering failed, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. No report of impact. Please provide additional information. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
The harmonic balance, located in the crankshaft, failed and caused internal engine damage. also, sun roof frame was fractured. *ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices · Power train › Automatic transmission
1998 mercedes E320 at different times, the driver and passenger doors locked by themselves while the vehicle was running. in june of 2003 the consumer heard a loud noise from the engine, the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who immediately diagnosed the problem as the crankshaft dampner which was…
1998 mercedes E320 at different times, the driver and passenger doors locked by themselves while the vehicle was running. in june of 2003 the consumer heard a loud noise from the engine, the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who immediately diagnosed the problem as the crankshaft dampner which was in pieces, the rubber drive belt damaged the engine front cover and engine oil pan. In september 2003 the doors unlocked by themselves while the consumer driving and was unable to lock them manually, also when the consumer turned the vehicle off the windows rolled down by themselves and the doors locked by themselves. the rubber gaskets around the front head lights leaked water, the dash lights burned out constantly, the engine light illuminated constantly and the vehicle burned a quart of oil per month, the air condition was rebuilt twice, the starter failed and the vehicle did not shift properly. *jb *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer called complaining about having problem with engine shuting off. Consumer was driving on the highway when the vehicle shut off leaving the consumer with no power steering or brake power. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that there was no problems with the vehicle. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Harmonic balancer failed on my 1998,mercedes benz the drivebelt shread,and an oil leak in the timing chain cover.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension coil spring ejection
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture…
Odi has focused this investigation on assessing the risks posed by a separated spring as (1) a road hazard and (2) the potential for vehicle control to be compromised after the front coil spring has been ejected from its intended position in the vehicle.both risks are associated with corrosion, flexing, and fracture of the upper front suspension mounting bracket.time-in-service failure rates are notably higher in salt belt states since corrosion IS a primary contributor to the failure mode.since a number of incidents have occurred while the vehicle was being operated, odi IS skeptical that owners can always detect the subtle side to side difference in ride height and/or inspect or notice that the upper suspension bracket has been compromised by corrosion.(1) road hazard - although the (approx. 7 lb.) front suspension spring that may be ejected at highway speeds could pose a serious road hazard to pedestrians and other vehicles, the occurrence rate has been low (.03% based on 51 reported incidents occurring and an initial population of 172,781 vehicles after 9 - 12 years of use / exposure) and there are no known injuries, fatalities, or property damage reports due to an ejected spring.also, many of the 51 incidents occurred at low speed or while the vehicle was stopped or parked.(2) vehicle control - vehicle handling and control could be affected by the fracture of the upper suspension mount and/or the associated spring ejection.odi first identified its concern about corrosion in the upper suspension bracket of subject vehicles in 2002, at which time mercedes provided a video that showed that a vehicle could be steered, stopped, and controlled through various maneuvers at high speeds with a front coil spring completely missing from the vehicle. During pe07-021, in addition to reviewing the 2002 video-tape, odi engineers drove an exemplar vehicle with the spring removed and simulated various combinations of steering angles to assess whether there were any possible conditions / displacements in which the separated spring might interfere with the wheels. In a vehicle with the front spring removed, the top of the wheel can lightly contact the bottom area of the wheel fender during high angle turns typically associated with slower speed maneuvers such as city driving. The light tire contact generated an obvious grinding noise and would likely abrade or bend the edge of the fender with continued use.however, the extent of the interference was not sufficient to affect vehicle steering and does not occur at smaller turning angles associated with highway driving.odi has not identified a safety related defect trend at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety related defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if future circumstances warrant.
- Engine crankshaft pulley failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation to investigate allegations of engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure that could result in loss of power-steering assist.odi has received a total of 546 non-duplicative reports that allege engine crankshaft pulley harmonic balancer failure on all mercedes-benz vehicles using the subject component.the subject component failures are progressive in nature and only a small percentage of the complaints and warrant claims involved a failure that had progressed far enough to effect power steering performance (6 of 55 odi complaints reference increased steering effort).there have been no crashes or injuries related to the alleged defect.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report attached for further detail.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10235972Enclosed for your information and pursuant to part 579.5, please find our latest Service and Warranty Bulletins for March, 2016
- 10186142Unmotivated Reaction from Park Assist - model series 213 facelift / 238 facelift with option code 235 (active par- king assist) and option code 501 (surround view system)
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10186135If the customer brakes sharply from a speed of > 30mph, without ABS intervention, there is a single cracking noise from the area of the ESP hydraulic unit
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 10179951AIRMATIC Fault Message "Max 80 km/ h (50 mph) " In Instrument Cluster
- 10167553Combination message: "Clean fuel filter" is displayed. The fault code 162500 (water level message - Bosch) or P226997 (water level message - Delphi) or 171600 (filter load - Bosch) is stored in the engine control unit.
- 10167525Apple products (iPhone or iPod) are not charged via the serial USB interface of the COMAND Online control unit (A40/3) in the stowage compartment of the center console.
- 10167000Surface damage on steering wheel trim
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10166090Possible complaints: 1. Memory function of electric seat fore/aft adjustment not functioning. 2. Seat fore/aft adjustment with easy entry/exit feature not functioning. 3. Head restraint presetting not functioning. 4. Seat fore/aft adjustment can only be adjusted for 2 sec with the seat adjustment switch (seat can only be adjusted in longitudinal direction in fits and starts). 5. Function "Collision avoidance when folding down the rear seat backrest" not functioning (seat fails to move forward when the rear seat backrest is folded down).
- 10151959Seat belt extender toothed rack sluggish or makes noises
- 10151948Display of suspension setting in head unit implausible
- 10151924Liftgate intermittently does not open fully
- 10136031Engine noises (rattling) after engine start
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135598Engine diagnosis warning lamp lights up in instrument cluster, fault code U145400: "Implausible data were received from the ethanol sensor"
- 10044222Mercedes benz: front or rear seat belt does not roll up correctly. Dirt deposits on the seat belt guide due to soiled seat belt. Also included models 169, f cell, 246, and 231. No model years given.
- 10044181Xentry: rattling/thumping noises from the area of the steering on rough roads or when driving over road undulations. No model years given. Also included models 168 and 172.
- 10044180Xentry: 'airmatic- service required' or 'elc- service required' in display- 'fc5151- B22/3 (rear axle sensor): signal implausible' stored.
- 10033070Xentry (mercedes): engine warning lamp IS currently on or was on and a delay fault of the camshaft adjust to current or stored in the engine control unit. Models 171, 203, 209, 211, 219, 221, 216, 230, 164, 251, and 403. No model years listed.
- 10033067Mercedes benz: tailgate does not open fully in cold weather. The tailgate not opening fully in cold weather, do not replace the struts.
- 10032709Mercedes: cracking/creaking noises from front axle when vehicle IS subject to torsion or when steering wheel IS turned. This IS mainly heard when the vehicle IS stationary or when the vehicle IS moving slowly. Relative movement between the frame type integral support and steering plate can cause the plate to make contact with the frame type integral support of the front axle, which in turn causes noises.
- 10029105Mercedes benz: fuel loss at pressure regulator valve and/or poor engine running characteristics (shakes, knocks, surges, changes to lip home mode, poor output, poor fuel economy, combustion noise, vehicle stalls). May be caused by malfunction at pressure regulator valve (prv) due to improper installation.
- 10028686Mercedes: air matic visit workshop displayed within instrument cluster. Models 164, 211, 219, 221 and 251. Included 4matic, AMG (compressor) AMG, bluetec and wagon. Model years unknown. Updated 9/18/09.
- 10028649Mercedes: srs indicator lamp on. The srs light IS illuminated and diagnostic fault code(s) b9223 and/or b9243 are stored in the srs ecu. The resistance of the ignition squib circuit for the sidebag may be too high. Model 211. All model years.
- 10020460Play in the rack and pinion steering system. Models 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230. Mercedes benz. Updated 5/13/09.
- 10015377Revised repair procedure and additional applicable models. Model 170, 202, 208 and 210 models. Front fog lamp(s) inoperative. Mercedes-benz. Model years: 1994-2004. Updated 09/09/08.
Every Mercedes Benz E320 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.